"bay laurel (victory)"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Lara
Pronunciation: [ l-AHR-uh ]
Does Lara flow with your last name?
Timeless and literary, with a Russian soul
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from the city of Larisa"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
"bright, cheerful"
Origin: Slavic
Language: Russian
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The Story of Lara
Lara is primarily a short form of Larissa, which derives from the ancient Greek city of Larisa in Thessaly. It is also used as a pet form of Laura, from the Latin 'laurus' (laurel), symbolizing victory and honor. In Slavic countries, Lara became an independent name with literary prestige after Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago (1957), where Lara is the unforgettable romantic heroine.
Lara's international fame exploded after the 1965 film adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, which introduced 'Lara's Theme' — one of the most recognized film scores ever composed. The sweeping orchestral piece made the name synonymous with romance and longing for decades.
In Russian and Eastern European culture, Lara is deeply associated with Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago. In Italian and Spanish cultures, it stands as an elegant name in its own right. The video game character Lara Croft added a contemporary action-hero dimension.
Historical Record
Lara first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 29,116 babies have been named Lara in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lara is past its peak , currently ranked #740 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'Lara's Theme' from the 1965 Doctor Zhivago film is one of the best-selling instrumental recordings of all time
- Lara Croft, the fictional video game archaeologist created in 1996, made the name synonymous with adventure and independence
Lara in Other Languages
Greek
Λάρα
French
Lara
German
Lara
Italian
Lara
Russian
Лара
Spanish
Lara
Popularity Over Time
#740
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1969
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lara
L
Lara Flynn Boyle
Actor
1970
American actress known for Twin Peaks and The Practice
L
Lara Antipova Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago (1957), one of literature's great romantic heroines
L
Lara Croft Fictional
Other
Fictional British archaeologist and adventurer from the Tomb Raider video game franchise (1996-present)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #740
- Total SSA Count
- 379
- Cultural Origins
- Russian Italian Spanish English German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lara
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lara is also used as a boy name, ranked #20060.
View Lara as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lara
What does the name Lara mean?
"bay laurel (victory)" (from Latin). "from the city of Larisa" (from Ancient Greek). "bright, cheerful" (from Slavic). Lara is primarily a short form of Larissa, which derives from the ancient Greek city of Larisa in Thessaly. It is also used as a pet form of Laura, from the Latin 'laurus' (laurel), symbolizing victory and honor. In Slavic countries, Lara became an independent name with literary prestige after Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago (1957), where Lara is the unforgettable romantic heroine.
What is the origin of the name Lara?
Lara has Latin, Ancient Greek, Slavic, Russian, Italian, Spanish, English, and German origins. In Latin, it means "bay laurel (victory)". In Ancient Greek, it means "from the city of Larisa". In Slavic, it means "bright, cheerful".
Is Lara a boy or girl name?
Lara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #740. As a boy name, it is ranked #20060. Lara is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lara?
Lara is pronounced l-AHR-uh.
How popular is the name Lara?
Lara is currently ranked #740 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lara?
Popular middle name pairings include Lara Jane, Lara Rose, Lara Grace, Lara Belle, Lara Kate, Lara Anne, and Lara Quinn.
What are good sibling names for Lara?
Names that pair well with Lara as siblings include Sasha, Natasha, Ivan, Mira, Vera, Nina, and Leo.
How many syllables does Lara have?
Lara has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lara a common or rare name?
Lara is moderately common, ranked #740 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Lara?
About the Name Lara
Lara is a girl name with Russian, Italian, Spanish, English, and German origins . The name means "bay laurel (victory)" in Latin .
Is Lara a boy or girl name? Lara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #740 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,060. Lara is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lara is currently ranked #740 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lara has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AHR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Lara include Laramie, Larissa, Lariyah, Larkin, Lark . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis